Z-bars by Clif. They're marketed for kids, but I like them 'cause they're not as big as the regular Clif bars. Buy 'em by the box at Traders Joe's or Sports Basement (SF Presidio!).
However, a couple times I've eaten at an Indian restaurant immediately before workout. Not suggested.
Your lanemates will probably appreciate that too! When my teammates enjoy their curry lunch, the smell just permeates over a large radius when they start breathing hard. It's nauseous as "second hand".
I have a traditional chocolate PowerBar that has probably been in my swim bag for 10 years "for emergencies". Try doing that with a banana! Somebody called powerbars "space food dog sh*t" although I like to think of it more like a tootsie-roll. I like a 4pm snack of nonfat yogurt and during meets I would have a 1/2 bagel (no smear) as a snack.
PBJ on wheat. I try to avoid the energy bar hype. I am quite certain that my answer is just as healthy and certainly less expensive. As for time...a 1/2 hour before is fine by me.
To be honest, I did go on a power bar kick for a month or so but did not notice any difference between them and my old standby. YMMV.
Peanut butter on whole grain bread is the best! I can't handle all the sugar in all the energy bars. I'll eat a half a sandwich with a Spark energy drink (sugar free) about 30 minutes before I swim. I've never had it "come back" to haunt me.
I feel kind of energetic and bouncy this morning. Maybe it was just a lack of eating tuesday that really undid me. I could have used a few more hours sleep but this is life in 2007.
PB&J is my pre-race meal. But as a quick snack, I go for Cheez-Nips. Its a great food and doesn't repeat. I use Expresso Love during a long run. I've never eaten during a swim workout.
Bill
